“Intelligence plus character-that is the true goal of education.” (Gloria Steinem) Reading this quote I realized how many concepts were involved in intelligence and character. Through them I am looking not only at the academic concepts but also how character provides an opportunity to apply such concepts learned at school into the students' lives. After all, I will be preparing children to become confident and active members of our community.
An educator once said to me, “ Behavior is the language of the child.” I believe a teacher's responsibility is to listen to the students not only through words but through their actions as well. When teachers demonstrate respect to the students, address their needs and understand them, we then create a foundation for a positive learning environment.
Our textbook mentions, “Classroom discipline is said to be a series of little victories.” (p. 272) I interpret this as taking classroom management as day-by-day. We need to be prepared to use many tools, choose one of the theories that best fit our own personalities, or maybe create new ways to engage the students and to work not only on rules and discipline but also how we can prevent misbehaviors that will interfere in learning. However, we all know that it will take several attempts before we can establish an effective discipline plan.
Good planning, positive attitude, respect and flexibility can guide us to create a classroom environment where students are motivated to learn and feel independent and responsible for their own actions.
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3 comments:
I really agree that the key to classroom management is listening to your students. Finding out the individual needs of the students and letting them know that your here for them and you really care for them.
so i didnt see it, but there is this movie about these boys on a football team (i think). the coach tells one of them that he needs to get grades up, or else! and the kids like "or else what?!" the next thing you know, his momma is sitting behind him in class and embarrassing him and making him answer all the questions and getting on him about doing his work... its so funny! i wish we could do that!
but seriously.. i really like your reflection. especially your last paragraph. i think a positive attitude can take us so far in everything we do!
Adriana,
I loved how you addressed that as teachers we need to focus on more than just the verbals that our students provide, but their behavior and actions as well. I think you understand the importance of this when it comes to classroom management and discipline. Now, I challenge you to think about what you will do with those two pieces in order to handle discipline in your classroom. As you might remember from Chapter 9, there were 4 basic rules to remember for classrom management. I believe you have the first one down of treating students with dignity and respect which is great! I challenge you to think about how you woudl take the two elements you talk about in your blog and think about how you would prevent behavior and deal with it based on your elements!
Love you blog....made me start thinking about how I woudl take these two elements for myself as well.
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